Hmmm, so, maybe I should quit the whole predicting thing aye?? I couldnt have been more wrong about how the game turned out, from being down 2 goals, to turnovers, etc, I was just 110% WRONG.? LOL, and I loved every second of it.? I do have one regret though, that I wasnt at MSG to shower the MARRRRRTY chants at Brodeur my arch nemesis.
The truly amazing thing is that the goals were in such rapid succession you literally didnt have time to finish cheering for the prior one.? Heck if im not mistaken I dont think either of the final 2 goals were scored after the previous goal was announced.
Now lets also be realistic here, this was in no way shape or form a “perfect” win, much like the last Devils game, or the Sharks or Thrashers game.? There were still forced passes directly into the trap, and a HORRENDOUS goal given up by Lundqvist, but the Rangers showed the malleability that I’ve mentioned before that I would like to see a bit more.? To bend, but not break is the key.? If you turn the puck over, you better make damn sure you hustle back and get help from your forwards, which the Rangers definately got tonight.? Also of concern was Jagrs 3 horribly obvious obstruction penalties.? This has been a theme this year for Jagr and im not sure why hes doing it.? Its not like its carryover from last year, as he was pretty disciplined last year.? I wonder if its a result of him taking beatings and needing to make a statement or something, even then, those arent the penalties that make statements so im not sure if that explanation even works.?
On the plus side though the Rangers killed of every single 1 man disadvantage, and gave up only 1 goal on the PK which was a 5 on 3 attempt which was the result of a dubious call against Shanahan and a terrible judgement move by Betts.? Also the Rangers showed some resilience to the Devils counterattack, which I really liked.? The defense really played well, to a man, I cant make any complaints, and if anything this might be the first game I was truly extatic with the way Rachunek and Bozolinsh played.? They took the body, and moved the puck very well, I had to rub my eyes a few times to make sure I was seeing what I was seeing.? Honestly Rachunek has played more like I expected him to, as a solid 2nd pairing defenseman.? I think his prior sputtering was more of a result of re-learning the NHL game, which isnt as easy as its made out to be by yours truly.
Give some credit to my arch nemesis Tom Renney, his line changes and doubleshifting along with his decision to change up the PP lines worked like a charm.? The changed up PP generated some solid chances, and the doubleshifting of Jagr (not his whole line) led to the first 2 goals.? I am awfully critical of Tom in most of his personell decisions, but tonight I concede that his decisions worked out perfectly.
Lundqvists let in at least 1 bad goal in 95% of his starts this season.? Whats wrong with you Henrik?!
Rangers continue their streak of playing to the level of competition, and with a game against the defending stanley cup champions in Carolina we should expect a good effort.? BTW, the Rangers are now tied for the division lead.? Who woulda thunk it?
Rangers 3 Stars Of The Game:
1)Brendan Shanahan.? You would expect Jagr to be here but im sorry, 3 horrible penalties drops him 1.? Shanahan scored the game winner, helped killed off a plethora of penalties, and played some amazing defense in the 3rd period.? In fact his whole line was awesome.
2)Jaromir Jagr.? Would have been easily the first star if it wasnt for those terrible penalties.? Still, scoring 2 goals in less than a minute, that earns you a teenie tiny bit of leeway 
3)Henrik Lundqvist.? Despite the terrible goal, he was rock solid.? I didnt notice many spectacular saves, which I think was more of a testament to how well his defenseman played in front of him.
-Inferno